Muay Thai strikes for Olympic glory

Thailand's national combat sport raised its international profile with an application to the IOC a few days after MMA, one of its rising competitors, was banned by the Sports Authority

An eventful week for combat sports in Thailand culminated on Tuesday night at Lat Phrao's Bangkok Convention Centre with a showcase of Muay Thai, Thailand's traditional martial art, for an international audience.
HONOUR BEFORE BATTLE: Thailand’s Rungrueangchai Dao Sriburee performs the ‘wai khru’ ceremony ahead of his bout against Slovakian Vlado Konsky. PHOTOS: EZRA KYRILL ERKER
Organisers said 30 embassies were represented at the event, which was also attended by members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Thai public officials including Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa.